These Fig & Almond Brie Phyllo Cups are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, offering crispy phyllo shells filled with creamy brie, fresh figs, and toasted almonds. Drizzled with aromatic thyme-infused honey, these bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining during festive occasions or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Phyllo Cups
- 12 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed
- 8 oz brie cheese, diced into small cubes
- 6 fresh figs, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Melted butter or olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Phyllo Cups
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the phyllo sheets into small squares, approximately 3 x 3 inches, to fit mini muffin tins.
- Layer 3-4 squares in each muffin cup, brushing lightly with melted butter or olive oil between layers.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the phyllo cups are golden and crisp. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Filling
- Place a cube of brie in each phyllo cup.
- Top with a slice of fresh fig and sprinkle with toasted almond slices.
- Return the filled phyllo cups to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the brie softens and begins to melt.
3. Drizzle with Thyme Honey
- In a small saucepan, warm the honey with thyme leaves over low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the thyme to infuse the honey.
- Drizzle the infused honey over each phyllo cup for a glossy finish and added flavor.
4. Serve
Serve the Fig & Almond Brie Phyllo Cups warm or at room temperature for an elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Helpful Tips
1. Work with Phyllo Dough Quickly
Phyllo dough dries out fast, so keep unused sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.
2. Toast the Almonds
Toasting the sliced almonds enhances their natural flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Infuse the Honey
For a subtle herbal note, warm the honey gently with fresh thyme leaves. The aroma and flavor of the thyme beautifully complement the figs and cheese.
4. Serve Warm
These phyllo cups are at their peak when served warm. If preparing ahead, you can reheat them briefly in the oven and drizzle the honey just before serving.
5. Experiment with Fillings
Customize the filling to suit your preferences. Add pomegranate seeds for a pop of color or try pear slices for a seasonal variation.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Substitute Figs
- Use pear slices, apple slices, or a dollop of fig jam if fresh figs aren’t available.
- Dried figs, thinly sliced, can also be used for a slightly chewy texture.
2. Alternative to Brie
- Swap brie with camembert for a similar creamy texture or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan brie-style cheese.
3. Nut-Free Option
- Replace the sliced almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without nuts.
4. Vegan Option
- Substitute vegan cheese and agave syrup for the brie and honey.
5. Garnish Additions
- Sprinkle with microgreens, fresh rosemary sprigs, or pomegranate seeds for an added layer of flavor and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these phyllo cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the phyllo cups and filling ahead of time. Assemble and bake the cups just before serving, and drizzle with honey for the freshest taste and crispest texture.
2. What if I don’t have fresh figs?
- Use fig jam, dried figs, or seasonal fruits like pears or apples as a substitute.
- Thin slices of grapes or plums also make excellent alternatives.
3. How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying and cracking. Brush each layer with butter or olive oil for flexibility and crispness.
4. Can these be served at room temperature?
Yes, they’re delicious at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and buffets where they might sit out for a while.
5. What can I pair these with?
Serve alongside a charcuterie board, sparkling wine, or light salads for a well-rounded appetizer spread.
Conclusion
Fig & Almond Brie Phyllo Cups are a show-stopping appetizer that combines crispy, buttery phyllo with creamy brie, sweet figs, and crunchy almonds. The thyme-infused honey drizzle ties the flavors together, creating a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for an elegant snack, these phyllo cups are guaranteed to impress!